Givenchy presents Givenchy Plage, a transversal “city to sand” capsule of prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) beachwear and accessories for Fall 2023.

Inspired by the refined lifestyle and delicate colors of Le Clos Fiorentina, Hubert de Givenchy’s seaside estate in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, this collection revisits the icons of the Maison and presents seasonal variations on essential accessories, from the straw basket version of the new Voyou bag from Givenchy to Marshmallow wedges and classic G-Tote shoppers.

“The light is different in the south of France: Monsieur de Givenchy loved Le Clos Fiorentina for its sheltered, natural beauty and relaxed elegance, a world far from his hectic life in Paris. For Givenchy Plage I wanted to explore that lifestyle through light and colour, especially the pearly pink facades typical of that region,” said Givenchy Creative Director Matthew M. Williams.

Combining the relaxed glamor of the Côte d’Azur and the creative director’s Californian origins, the Givenchy Plage capsule celebrates a relaxed and joyful art de vivre.

While searching the Givenchy archives, Matthew M. Williams came across images of the founding couturier’s swimwear, unveiled at a New York show in 1952 — the same year the House presented its first Haute Couture collection — and presented in collaboration with an American swimwear brand. The response of the American customers was so enthusiastic that Hubert de Givenchy became the young French couturier to know. In the following decades, he will constantly present beachwear.

In 2023, Givenchy Plage reconnects to that heritage in a collection that features the House’s signature elements, past and present. Bold cut-outs, beach club pieces, sailor stripes, pearls and pinks, chain motifs and delicately woven macrame come together in silhouettes that exude sensuality with a touch of sportiness and ease.

Black and white – shades appreciated by Givenchy for their timeless, seasonless and alluring charm – set the tone for a collection designed with unique items, but with easy overlapping. Linen, one of the couturier’s favorite materials, is knitted into bikinis and cover-ups in black or sandy beige, combine with a bucket hat or seasonal Givenchy raffia tote.

Two prints dating back to 1955 are revisited for today’s Givenchy client. Trompe l’oeil pearls return to a caftan, sarong or bright pink dress and a transparent T-shirt; a theme revived in pink and pearls on a handbag or canvas beach sneakers. A pale gray print inspired by ID necklaces flows into hardware vocabulary, such as G-Links, Love Locks and chains developed by Matthew M. Williams for Givenchy. Mesh sports bags, sneakers and a bucket hat in cool gray tones complete the theme.

Today, as in Hubert de Givenchy’s days, the glamor of the French Riviera is evident in the see-and-be-seen culture of the beach club. White pajama-style separates, resort-style tees, and ocean-blue tees and shorts crafted from regenerated cotton poplin and linen, welcome this time-honored ritual.

Combining Riviera classics with a Californian vibe, Matthew M. Williams revisits Givenchy’s iconic nautical-striped sailor top, worn with sun-faded or artfully worn denim shorts and denim mules, 4G sneakers, or a scripted G-Tote GIVENCHY white. Another all-time French classic is revisited as the Voyou basketball with leather details and bi-material hardware. New glossy rubber variations of the Marshmallow wedge appear in matte or glossy black, or seasonal shades of lilac, light pink or pale yellow.

Completing the Givenchy Plage capsule are playful and elegant new versions of the 4G Plumetis jewelry line, including a pink bioresin bracelet, earrings and ring embellished with purple Swarovski crystals set in 4G claws.

For the first time for the Maison, to meet the growing expectations of transparency, a selection of swimwear for women and men also incorporates an approach to traceability. Tags with a QR code describe information about care, supply chain traceability and recycled materials in products and packaging.

The Givenchy Plage capsule collection will begin arriving in Givenchy stores and online in mid-April, continuing until mid-May.

Givenchy official site: givenchy.com